GSK (Glaxo-SmithKline) Assessment Tests, Interviews, Assessment Centre 2023/24. Practice. A Complete Guide.

Reading time: 25 minutes

Summary

Applying to GSK in 2023/24? Read on to accelerate your GSK online test practice.

The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment and preparation guide and practice for those applying to jobs, internships and graduate programs at GSK.

Our website provides scientifically validated practice assessments tests, interviews and assessment centre exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process. 

Check here for Free and Premium aptitude assessment tests and video interviews to practice and prepare for GSK recruitment.

If you are applying to GSK or have an GSK assessment test coming up, our text below is the best place to start.

Not sure if you should practice to prepare for GSK assessment tests? According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude tests results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired.

In a nutshell

How to prepare for the GSK assessment process and tests to get the job?

1. Complete your GSK Online Job Application

• Fill in your GSK application online
• Research the company and match your application to GSK’s values
• Use the key words and phrases from the job post in your resume and application answers

2. Practice for the World of GSK Online Assessment

Improve your efficiency and gain further understanding of the online assessments you will complete, including a Situational Judgement Test (SJT).

You may get rejected already after the aptitude test. These tests sift out 50-80% candidates. The only proven way to get to the next round is practice.

3. Record mock video interviews of yourself

You should practice answering questions that typically come up in interviews for pharmaceutical jobs. Your answers need to flow and be timely. Avoid filler words. Your verbal communication should be convincing, filled with content that presents you in the best way for the job.

Prepare for your GSK HireVue Job Simulation by running mock interviews answering typical interview questions. For GSK HireVue interview practice use:

• A smartphone
• Zoom or
• our video interview practice platform

Our video interview practice platform contains predefined competency and industry questions for pharmaceuticals and emulates experience you will have in platforms used for employers’ interviews (Hirevue, Pymetrics, Sonru). Always record your answers and watch them to develop your interview technique, time keeping and words used. Repeat recordings until you feel satisfied.

Use the STAR method for your answers and practice each answer several times.

4. Prepare for the GSK Assessment Centre exercises

GSK uses a variety of competitive exercises within their Assessment Centre to assess key competencies. These exercises may include:

• personal written case study
• role play exercise
• group case study
• presentations

Ensure that you sharpen your spoken and written communication skills. Research online, prepare and practice presenting as many relevant business case studies as possible.

Be aware, not many get to this stage as the competition is very fierce.

5. Final Interview – Strengths-Based

Your final interview(s) will typically be a one-on-one strength-based (SBI) interview with a senior manager(s) from GSK. They likely will have interviewed dozens or hundreds of candidates at this final stage to find the best talent.

Hone your technique for your final GSK interview to showcase your:

• deep knowledge 
• understanding of the role
• business acumen
• passion
• critical thinking and ability to think on your feet

For your GSK final interview, use the video interview platform and record yourself answering practice questions.

Continue reading to get answers to critical questions:

1. What is the hiring process for GSK?
2. How do I prepare for GSK assessments?
3. What is the World of GSK assessment?
4. How do I pass the World of GSK online assessment?
5. What is the GSK job simulation?
6. How to answer GSK interview questions?

Looking into assessments with GSK, simply use your fingertips or click in the table below to practice assessments relevant to your assessment process!

Practice your online assessment tests with us when you apply to GSK to improve your answers and get scores above the threshold.

Before we dive in, let’s find out more about GSK!

GSK Online Assessment – The Key Facts about GSK

GlaxoSmithKline plc (GSK) is a British multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Brentford, London. Although it was established in 2000, via a merger of Glaxo Wellcome and SmithKline Beecham, by 2015 GSK was already ranked the sixth largest pharmaceutical company in the world. 

GSK receives thousands of applications each year for just a few job openings. All candidates have great academic results and other achievements, so you need to make sure you perform your best at every stage of the GSK hiring process. How? We’ve got you covered.

Contents:

1. GSK Application Form
2. GSK Online Test: World of GSK 2023/24 Online Assessment 
3. GSK Life Job Simulation
4. GSK Assessment Centre
5. GSK Final Strength-Based Interview
6. GSK FAQs
7. GSK Graduate Programmes

1. GSK Application Form

What is the GSK online application?

The GSK online application form is the first step in the GSK recruitment process, and your first impression for the recruiters. Make this first impression count and stand out from the competition to maximise your chances of advancing to the next stage. 

But how? We at GF have you covered. Let’s break down how to impress during your online application:

1. Create and account on GSK website to apply for any position. This is the first step in successfully completing GSK’s online assessment.
2. Search and apply for a vacancy using their online job search. You can apply using:
   • a previous application
   • a resume or 
   • manually
3. Fill in your personal details in a brief but accurate manner, including:
   • Contact details
   • Previous experiences
   • Studies
4. Upload your:
   •  CV/Resume
   • Cover Letter
   • Work permit for the market you’ve applied to.
5. Prepare for motivational questions, depending on the department and job you’re applying for you may be asked these questions.

You should by no means underestimate the importance of your CV and Cover Letter. These will be used to obtain a first impression of you as a candidate, so you should use them to your benefit if you are to differentiate from the crowd.

Include keywords and phrases from the job description in your CV/Resume and Cover Letter. Ensure these are used throughout your GSK online application answers.

For more CV and Cover Letter tips, check out our short video below:

How to research your GSK employer

Before you make any application to GSK, you need to make sure that you research the company of which there are 3 key steps to follow:

1. Ensure you have an understanding of the area that you are applying for.
2. Do extensive research into the company, job description and the roles available and be sure that this aligns with you. 
3. Look through their recent social media posts on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Check out our short video below to discover more of our best researching tips for your GSK application!

Once you’ve aced your GSK online application, you’ll be invited to complete the World of GSK online assessment. Let’s dive into this assessment together!

2. GSK Online Test: World of GSK 2023/24 Online Assessment

What is the GSK Online Assessment?

The World of GSK online assessment is a test which resembles a GSK Situational Judgement test where candidates will be presented with scenarios and asked to evaluate the best and worst courses of actions using interactive elements. This assesses your strengths and suitability to your applied role at GSK, including the Future Leader Program. But how does it do this?

• First, you’ll be tasked with watching videos showing some daily scenarios that you are very likely to encounter when working at GSK.
• Then, you will be asked to evaluate these situations against some possible course of actions. You will have to decide how you would react in these situations, and manage specific issues.
• Although the test itself is not timed, you will have only 7 days to submit it. Be aware, as you cannot retake this test.

The main difficulty in this ability test comes from the fact that all answers might seem to be good ideas. They will all have some good qualities – so you need to differentiate between which ones are really key.

How can you practice for the World of GSK Online Assessment?

Since the World of GSK online assessment shares many similarities to the style of Situational Judgement Tests, you can prepare for your World of GSK assessment test by practicing situational judgement questions.

Although specific questions may vary from role to role within GSK, the types of situations and response formats that you will find in the World of GSK will be vastly similar to what you will find on a standard Situational Judgement Test.

For more information about GSK Situational Judgement tests and what they assess, check out our below YouTube video:

We found that the best way to prepare for your World of GSK online assessment is to practice. Bradley et al, 2019 found that candidates who do not practise assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%).

Therefore it is essential for you to practice for your World of GSK assessment.

So, if you are looking for GSK-style situational judgement tests with answers, worked-solutions and professional score reports including personalised tips based on your performance – then we at GF have you covered.

Here’s a sneak peak at an SJT question we’ve made that may be similar to the World of GSK assessment questions:

In this example, you are tasked with selecting the best and worst option out of the above list (A, B, C or D). Your answer will depend largely on what you consider to be a priority; independence, timely relevance of a problem, fear of making mistakes, etc. 

Think you cracked it? Check the bottom of this page to see how you did!

Remember to consider what GSK are looking for in their candidates. Think back to your research on the company values and the job description. Which competencies do they require that appear in the question?

Think you got it? Try have a go at more PRACTICE QUESTIONS similar to GSK-style assessment tests, register with GF and practice your situational judgement tests today.

3. GSK Life Job Simulation

What is the GSK Life Job Simulation?

In the GSK Life Job Simulation, you will be presented with some work scenarios. These will include some key business facts that may be either qualitative or quantitative. You can expect to answer through:

• Video
• Writing
• Multiple choice

This part of the assessment is also likely to include motivational questions. For technical roles, expect to answer some technical questions related to the role you’ve applied for.

For the GSK Life Job Simulation, you may be required to go through a HireVue Video Interview. You will have less than 3 minutes to answer each of the behavioural and competency-based (CBI) questions.

Let’s dig in for more information on your GSK HireVue Video Interview. 

What is the GSK HireVue Video Interview?

The GSK HireVue Video Interview is the platform where you will be required to record your answers to pre-recorded questions from a member of the GSK recruitment team. These questions will include competency and behavioural interview questions. 

How do I prepare for HireVue GSK video interview it? We’ve got you covered! Don’t miss out on our video below:

The GSK HireVue interview questions will mainly consist of competency-based and behavioural questions. Therefore, think about the projects you have previously worked on. This could be from your: professional experiences, education, passions, sports or personal experiences.

Keep reading for our best GSK interview tips!

Top 8 Tips to Ace your GSK Video Interview

1. Dress to impress! The outfit you choose to wear is just as important as it would be in the face-to-face interview. Wear formals. You can never be overdressed for an interview.
2. Keep the space behind you clear of any distractions and is professional. A plain background is preferred, preventing the interviewer from making any presumptions about your personality.
3. Focus on your body language and voice as they say a lot about you and set the first impression. Speak clearly, look directly into the camera, and practice to sound both relaxed and confident.
4. Check your connection and make sure everything is working and that you have a calculator, some paper and a pen at hand before you begin the video interview. 
5. Practice rehearsing your answers in front of the mirror. Record yourself while answering some demo questions and show it to your family or friends. Ask them for their opinions and where you can improve. 
6. Get familiar with video interviews, increase your comfort when talking to a webcam through practice and tools like our video interview software, which simulate the tools used by employers like GSK.
7. Know yourself and the company, have a strong understanding of the role and how you fit by doing an in-depth review.
8. Ensure you leave a good first impression by keeping the following in mind.
   • Clean environment
   • Clear audio and video
   • Strong and stable internet connection

Or, The best option for you to practice your GSK HireVue video interview is to use the GF video interview practice tool. Here, you get to practice and record your answers to critical pharma competency and behavioural questions and gain AI feedback on your emotions in a video interview similar to HireVue.

You may encounter motivational questions during your GSK video interview – let’s unpack these now.

GSK Motivational Questions Tips

When you are asked a question, always take a few seconds to plan the answer. Think of various examples of situations where you succeeded at something and demonstrated your skills, and then explain carefully what the situation was, how you reacted and what the outcome was. 

Use the STAR framework to do so: Situation, Task, Action and Result. Every time you answer the question, make sure to talk precisely about each of these points. Also, make sure there is a logical flow between situations you describe using STAR.

GSK Interview Example Questions

Here are just some of the interview questions you might be asked:

• Why did you choose GSK?
• Why are you interested in this particular role?
• What makes you a good candidate?

• What are your skills that make you suitable for the role?
• Have you led or managed a group project?
• Describe a time you’ve overcome a problem

Uncover more potential questions with the 5 most common questions you may be asked in your GSK interview with our short video:

Practice for your GSK pharma interview questions with GF using our Video Interview platform for unlimited practice, perfect recording your answers and receive AI-based feedback on your body language and facial expressions which is essential for mastering HireVue interviews. 

Congratulations if you have made it this far! However, don’t relax just yet! 

Once you’ve mastered your body language and aced your GSK interview, you will receive an invitation to the GSK Virtual Assessment Centre.

4. GSK Virtual Assessment Centre

What is the GSK Virtual Assessment Centre?

The GSK Assessment Centre is the final stage in the application process. You will be assessed on your analytical strengths and interpersonal skills through various activities which depend on the programme you have applied for in an online environment. 

This is a great opportunity for you to meet people working at GSK, network and find answers to your burning questions about the company.

What does the GSK Assessment Centre Measure?

Remember, from the moment you join you will be evaluated on a number of behaviours and competencies, so make sure you present yourself appropriately: be self-confident and polite, make contact with as many people as you can during the exercises, and most importantly – just be yourself and relax.

What will the GSK Assessment Centre Involve?

There will be a number of different exercises you might be asked to complete for half of the online assessment day. These will depend on the programme you’ve applied for and can also include a practical or technical exercise. These activities can include:

• GSK Group exercise
• GSK Role play exercise
• GSK Written exercise
• GSK Presentation exercise

Let’s go through some of the exercises included that will challenge you in your GSK online immersive assessment centre.

GSK Assessment Centre Exercises

GSK Group Exercise

What is the GSK Group Exercise?

During your GSK group exercise, you will be assessed on:

• your ability to work well with others
• your communication skills
• ability to reach decisions as part of a team.

You will be assessed on these competencies recorded by GSK throughout the group discussions. 

You will be observed by GSK recruiters throughout the exercise, so make sure to

• demonstrate your strengths
• share your ideas
• respect others’ input and develop on their points. 

For our best quick tips to pass your GSK group exercise, check out our YouTube video:

GSK Role Play Exercise

What is the GSK Role Play Exercise?

In your GSK Role play exercise, you will be given 20 minutes to work in a pair and analyse a set of information. You and your partner will then need to prepare your response. You will then play the role of a GSK representative dealing with a client. 

What does the GSK Role Play Exercise Measure?

In this task, you will be assessed on how well you demonstrate your negotiation ability, teamwork, and analytical thinking. Therefore it is essential that you hone these skills.

So how do we ace the role play task? Easy.

Top 5 Tips to Pass the GSK Role Play Exercise

1. Check your body language and tone. Maintain eye contact but don’t stare! When listening to the client, show that you are listening through gestures of agreement. Make sure you speak clearly and adapt to the client.
2. Aim to manage and reduce conflict. Always remain calm, regardless of how aggressive your client may seem. Focus on solving the task at hand and don’t speak over them.
3. Empathise with the client! Demonstrate understanding and willingness to hear the client’s point of view. Show your readiness to work together with them and your partner.
4. Manage your time effectively. Don’t be too concerned about finishing early, however make sure you keep track of time and come to a resolution at a timely pace.
5. Build rapport with your partner and the client. Break down barriers early by offering drinks or making relevant jokes if possible to encourage a more relaxed and open conversation.

GSK Written Assessment

What is the GSK Written Assessment?

In your GSK written assessment, you will work on your own to prepare a response to a case study problem in the candidate brief provided to you.

Top 4 Tips to Pass the GSK Written Assessment

1. develop your arguments fully, and persuade the recipient towards your recommendations.
2. analyse all the information and planning your response – only then should you start writing your response. 
3. check your grammar and spelling throughout the essay
4. be cautious of the time that you have been allocated; sometimes it might be better to skip some points in order to finish on time.

GSK Presentation exercise

What is the GSK Presentation Exercise?

GSK’s presentation exercise will involve a case study which will be provided to you. You will have to create a presentation, providing your thoughts on the subject matter to your GSK interviewers. You will have limited time to read and prepare your presentation. 

What does the GSK Presentation Exercise Measure?

This exercise will mainly test your ability to communicate your ideas. Your assessors will be looking at your body language and tone to see how you would cope with delivering professional presentations, taking part in group discussions and explaining your opinions.

How do I prepare for my GSK Presentation?

1. Know the basic facts from the brief. Ensure you understand the information provided and demonstrate them in your presentation. Keep aware of these as you may be asked additional questions on these.
2. Watch your body language and your communication. Make sure to speak clearly and with a friendly tone. Avoid pacing as that may distract the interviewer. Maintain eye contact and smiling always helps!
3. Avoid confrontation and manage conflict. Your assessor may test how you handle pressure during your presentation with their questions. Remain calm and don’t talk over the interviewer.
4. Involve others when you can. Ask your interviewers if they have any questions during or at the end of the presentation. Asking if your interviewer is looking for something specific can help you to structure your presentation.
5. Keep an eye on the time! Make sure you don’t overrun the time limit or finish too early. 

And finally, after the completion of the GSK virtual assessment centre exercises the last part of the GSK application process is the final interview.

5. GSK Final Strengths Based Interview

What is the GSK Final Strength Based Interview?

Your Final GSK 2023/24 interview will be a one-on-one Strength Based Interview with the senior manager from the area that you applied to.

What does the GSK Strength Based Interview Measure?

A Strength Based Interview is designed to assess how a candidate responds in certain situations, and determine their key strengths. The best way to do this is to be yourself.

The Strength Based Interview can be difficult to prepare for and differ slightly to the typical competency-based interview format prevalent in so many recruitment processes today.

Whilst a competency-based interview requires you to use the STAR framework (i.e. Situation, Task, Action Result) to convince an employer you possess certain skills, a Strength Based Interview requires a different approach.

How to prepare for my GSK final interview?

Whilst a strength-based interview is harder to prepare for, we’ve got the lowdown on the best tricks to prepare for your GSK final interview.

For the best practice performance, practice using GF’s premium practice video interview platform with unlimited lifetime access to AI-based feedback on your body language and guidance for 13 sets of unique practice strength-based video interview questions for the top industries including Big Pharma. 

GSK Strength Based Interview: Example Questions

To give you an idea of what to expect from your strength-based interview, here are 5 examples of Strength Based interview questions that you can use to practice answering:

• What do you like to do in your spare time?
• How would your close friends describe you?
• Do you like to be stretched beyond your comfort zone?
• Are you a detailed person or a big picture person?
• Describe a successful day. What made it successful?

How do I answer these interview questions? We’ve got you covered there too! 

Check out the short video below for how to answer the common GSK interview question “what is your greatest weakness?” that you may be asked.

Keep reading for even more of our best interview tips on how to answer GSK interview questions!

8 Top Tips to Pass the GSK Interview

1. Frame your answers to match an ideal candidate for the job role. Use the job description and GSK’s organisational culture. Be careful to remain consistent across your answers.
2. Stay up to date with the latest news and activities of GSK. Consider how you align with their strengths and achievements. This will also show your genuine interest in the company.
3. Think of your key strengths and experiences where you have shown these. Come up with a few examples for each strength demonstrated.
4. Be honest when asked about your areas of improvement. Honesty shows integrity and ownership which is sought by GSK recruiters. Demonstrate how you plan to develop a weakness into a strength.
5. Demonstrate your enthusiasm within your answers through positive body language and verbal communication.
6. Some commonly sought traits may not be mentioned in the job description but are still important to consider. Always be aware of skills such as:
   • Determination
   • Initiative
   • Teamwork
   • Leadership
   • Good communication and people skills
7. Prepare to be asked some technical questions, ensure you know about GSK’s services and their position in the industry.
8. Come equipped with some thought-provoking questions. Do not miss this important opportunity to get to know the company more! Bring unique questions to help you stand out and leave a lasting impression. 

Don’t be afraid to ask your interviewer about their personal experiences with the company, as well as their career path. They want to see that you have a genuine interest in working at GSK, and not as just another ‘job seeker’.

Check out our short video below to discover our 5 best questions to ask in your interview:

If you’ve followed all of our super useful tips and been successful, you will shortly receive an offer from GSK for the role you’ve applied for. Good luck!

Before you go and ace your application…

Still have some burning unanswered questions on your mind? Check out our FAQs below to discover even more quick facts about the GSK online assessments and recruitment process!

Also don’t miss our insight into many of the graduate, apprenticeship and internship opportunities currently available at GSK for students just like you right now!

Sounds interesting? Keep reading after the FAQs to find out more!

GSK Recruitment Process FAQs

GSK Graduate Programmes

GSK Apprenticeships

The US GSK Apprentice Programs varies between 2 to 4 years, and provides many students with the opportunity to advance their careers with experience alongside their college education. Apprentices will receive tailored on-the-job training whilst being fully funded for their studies for nationally recognized qualifications in the area of your choice. 

GSK Apprenticeship Areas

GSK Apprenticeship Eligibility

To be considered for the US Apprentice programs, you must have:

• Education: High school diploma or equivalency diploma (such as TACC or GED)
  • High school GPA B (2.5 or above 4.0 scale)
  • High school Math and English (GPA 2.5 or above in each case)
  • High school qualifications relevant to the role (GPA 2.5 or above in each case)
• Experience: Less than 2 year’s industry related work experience

GSK Apprenticeship US Locations

Currently, there are GSK apprenticeship opportunities in:

• Zebulon North Carolina
• King of Prussia Pennsylvania

GSK Apprenticeship Application Deadline

Applications are on an ongoing basis. For 2023/24 recruitment, the assessment centers will open from May 2023 for an August 2023 start. Apply early as applications are prioritized based on application date!

Prepare for your GSK Apprenticeship Program with our practice assessments today!

GSK Future Leaders Programme

This 2 to 3 year global opportunity at GSK is packed full of challenges to help you grow as a future leader, across the area of your choice with the ability to develop understanding of how other departments operate as well. With full support from your manager and mentors, you will grow professionally and personally at locations all across the globe.

GSK Future Leaders Programme Areas

GSK Future Leaders Programme Eligibility

The requirements for the GSK Future Leaders Program include:

• Education: Some roles may require a BSc or MSc/PhD in the background of the area you are applying for.
• Key Skills: clear motivation and passion for the area
  • strong analytical skills/data driven
  • strong technical skills
  • can do mindset and able to adapt to change
  • the interpersonal skills to connect with people and influence 
  • A team player and willing to learn
  • alignment to GSK’s values and expectations 

GSK Future Leaders Programme Locations

GSK Future Leaders Programme Application Deadline

Application dates vary per country. Many countries operate their role applications on a rolling basis however be aware as some are on fixed deadlines. Check the job description for your deadline to apply.

Prepare for your GSK Future Leader Program with our practice assessments today!

GSK Co-op Programmes

The GSK Winter and Fall coop/internship programmes provide a 6-12 month opportunity for you to work alongside professionals to contribute in exciting new and ongoing developments, research and projects. Interns at GSK will collaborate with and support the various processes and will develop their technical and professional skills on the job.

GSK Co-op Programme Areas

GSK Co-op Programme Eligibility

• Education: Pursuing a relevant degree such as in Chemical, Biomedical, or Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or similar disciplines.
  • Must have active student status and/or within 12 months post-graduation from a BS or MS degree program. Post-doctoral candidates are not eligible.
• Key Criteria: Must be able to work full-time (35-40 hours/week) throughout the 6-month co-op.
  • Must successfully pass a drug screen and background check prior to assignment target start date.
  • Must provide your own funding for relocation and commuting.

GSK Co-op Programme US Locations

GSK Co-op Programme Application Deadline

Applications are year-round on a rolling basis, with winter and fall opportunities throughout the US. Keep posted on their website for new opportunities and apply as early as possible to roles that interest you.

Prepare for your GSK Internship and Coop Programs with our practice assessments today!